CA2673697A1 - Magnetic photo display assembly - Google Patents
Magnetic photo display assembly Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2673697A1 CA2673697A1 CA2673697A CA2673697A CA2673697A1 CA 2673697 A1 CA2673697 A1 CA 2673697A1 CA 2673697 A CA2673697 A CA 2673697A CA 2673697 A CA2673697 A CA 2673697A CA 2673697 A1 CA2673697 A1 CA 2673697A1
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- frame
- wire stand
- lower magnet
- base
- window
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G1/00—Mirrors; Picture frames or the like, e.g. provided with heating, lighting or ventilating means
- A47G1/14—Photograph stands
- A47G1/142—Supporting legs or feet
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G1/00—Mirrors; Picture frames or the like, e.g. provided with heating, lighting or ventilating means
- A47G1/06—Picture frames
- A47G1/0616—Ornamental frames, e.g. with illumination, speakers or decorative features
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G1/00—Mirrors; Picture frames or the like, e.g. provided with heating, lighting or ventilating means
- A47G1/06—Picture frames
- A47G1/065—Interconnected frames; Frame assemblies; Frames for two or more pictures
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G1/00—Mirrors; Picture frames or the like, e.g. provided with heating, lighting or ventilating means
- A47G1/06—Picture frames
- A47G2001/0672—Picture frames employing magnets
Landscapes
- Mirrors, Picture Frames, Photograph Stands, And Related Fastening Devices (AREA)
Abstract
A magnetic picture display assembly including a base and a first frame including a frame portion having an inner perimeter and a window defined by the inner perimeter, and at least a first wire stand extending through the frame portion and having a first end having an upper magnet extending upwardly and a second end having a lower magnet extending downwardly, wherein the lower magnet is magnetically securable to the base, and the at least first wire stand is arranged to support the first frame in an upright position when the lower magnet is magnetically secured to the base.
Description
Agent Ref: 68849/00067 3 [0001] The invention broadly relates to devices for displaying pictures, photographs and 4 the like, more particularly to such devices comprising an assembly of magnetically stackable frames.
7 [0002] Devices for holding and displaying a plurality of pictorial items, such as 8 photographs and pictures, are well known. Generally, such a device may be embodied as a 9 frame having a plurality of windows arranged in a plane, wherein each window is arranged to display a picture from a single viewing side.
11 [0003] Alternatively, such a device may comprise a plurality of frames, wherein each 12 frame fixedly is secured to another frame and includes a window arranged to display a picture 13 from a single viewing side. Frames of this type often display pictures in a single plane, although 14 some frames of this type include a hinge arranged to allow the frames to pivot into more than one plane.
16 [0004] One problem with these prior frames is that the angles at which the frames may 17 be displayed are limited. Another problem with these prior frames is that, since the frames are 18 inseparable from each other, a user is forced to manipulate the entire device in order to change 19 even a single picture displayed therein. A further problem with these devices is that they generally only have a single viewing side.
22 [0005] Broadly, the present invention is a magnetic picture display assembly comprising:
23 a base; and, a first frame comprising: a frame portion having an inner perimeter and a window 24 defined by the inner perimeter; and, at least a first wire stand extending through the frame portion and having a first end comprising an upper magnet extending upwardly and a second 26 end comprising a lower magnet extending downwardly, wherein the lower magnet is 27 magnetically securable to the base, and the at least first wire stand is arranged to support the 28 first frame in an upright position when the lower magnet is magnetically secured to the base.
29 [0006] In one embodiment, the first frame further comprises a second wire stand extending through the frame portion and having a first end comprising an upper magnet 31 extending upwardly and a second end comprising a lower magnet extending downwardly, 32 wherein the lower magnet of the second wire stand is magnetically securable to the base, and 21904322.1 1 Agent Ref: 68849/00067 1 the second wire stand is arranged to support the first frame in an upright position when the lower 2 magnet of the second wire stand is magnetically secured to the base.
3 [0007] In another embodiment the magnetic photo display assembly further comprises a 4 second frame comprising: a frame portion having an inner perimeter and a window defined by the inner perimeter of the frame portion of the second frame; and, at least a first wire stand 6 extending through the frame portion of the second frame and having a first end comprising an 7 upper magnet extending upwardly and a second end comprising a lower magnet extending 8 downwardly, wherein the lower magnet of the at least first wire stand of the second frame is 9 magnetically securable to the base, the at least first wire stand of the second frame is arranged to support the second frame in an upright position when the lower magnet of the at least first 11 wire stand of the second frame is magnetically secured to the base, and the second frame is 12 adapted to display a substantially planar item in the window of the second frame.
13 [0008] In a preferred embodiment, the second frame is stackable upon the first frame by 14 magnetically securing the lower magnet of the at least first wire stand of the second frame to the upper magnet of the at least first wire stand of the first frame.
16 [0009] A general object of the present invention is to provide a photo display device 17 having a plurality of frames which may be arranged in an infinite number of viewing angles.
18 [0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a photo display device having 19 a plurality of frames which may be stacked upon one another in an infinite number of arrangements.
21 [0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a frame which is arranged to 22 display pictures on opposite sides on the frame, and includes a means for easily inserting such 23 pictures.
24 [0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a frame which is adapted to magnetically couple to a base and/or magnetically stack upon another frame.
26 [0013] These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be readily 27 appreciable from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention and from 28 the accompanying drawings and claims.
[0014] The nature and mode of operation of the present invention will now be more fully 31 described in the following detailed description of the invention taken with the accompanying 32 drawing figures of at least one exemplary embodiment thereof, in which:
21904322.1 2 Agent Ref: 68849/00067 1 Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the magnetic photo display 2 assembly comprising a plurality of frames and a base;
3 Figure 2 is a front elevational view of the magnetic photo display assembly shown 4 in Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a front perspective view of a first frame of the plurality of frames;
6 Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the first frame;
7 Figure 5 is an enlarged view of area 5 shown in Figure 4;
8 Figure 6 is a perspective view of a second panel of the first frame; and, 9 Figure 7 is a front elevational view of the second panel.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
11 [0015] At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers on different 12 drawing views identify identical, or functionally similar, structural elements of the invention.
13 While the present invention is described with respect to what is presently considered to be the 14 preferred aspects, it is to be understood that the invention as claimed is not limited to the disclosed aspects.
16 [0016] Furthermore, it is understood that this invention is not limited to the particular 17 methodology, materials and modifications described and as such may, of course, vary. It is also 18 understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects 19 only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, which is limited only by the appended claims.
21 [0017] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the 22 same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention 23 belongs. It should be appreciated that the term "frame" refers to a substantially rigid structure 24 which defines at least one window and is operatively arranged to hold and display a substantially planar object, such as a photograph or other pictorial item, in the at least one window.
26 [0018] It should also be appreciated that since each frame of the plurality of frames of 27 the present invention is arranged to display pictures in two windows arranged opposite each 28 other, and since the plurality of frames may be stacked and arranged in an infinite number of 29 positions, the terms "front", "back", "left", and "right", when used herein, are relative terms meant to refer to the viewing perspective shown in the figures.
21904322.1 3 Agent Ref: 68849/00067 1 [0019] Although many methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent to those 2 described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the invention, the preferred methods, 3 devices, and materials are now described.
4 [0020] Adverting now to the figures, Figures 1 and show an exemplary embodiment of the present invention magnetic photo display assembly, hereinafter referred to as assembly 10.
6 Assembly 10 comprises a plurality of frames, namely, first frame 100, second frame 200, third 7 frame 300, fourth frame 400, and fifth frame 500. Each frame is adapted to hold and display a 8 substantially planar item in its window, such as the picture of the woman shown displayed in 9 each of the windows in Figures 1 and 2. Assembly 10 may also comprise base 80. It should be appreciated that the plurality of frames and base shown in Figures 1 and 2 are meant to illustrate 11 a manner in which the frames of the present invention may be stacked and magnetically coupled 12 to each other and/or the base for displaying pictures.
13 [0021] It should also be appreciated that the present invention may comprise a single 14 frame, for example, any one of frames 100, 200, 300, 400, or 500, as these frames comprise substantially the same elements and differ primarily with respect to dimensions, such as, height 16 and width. Accordingly, the following description focuses primarily on first frame 100, and its 17 description should be presumed to be applicable to second, third, fourth, and fifth frames, 200, 18 300, 400, and 500, respectively.
19 [0022] As shown in Figures 3-7, first frame 100 comprises frame portion 110, right wire stand 140, and left wire stand 160. In this embodiment, frame potion 110 includes first panel 120 21 and second panel 130, wherein first panel 120 and second panel are removably securable to 22 each other.
23 [0023] Second panel 130 comprises outer perimeter 134, inner perimeter 132, which 24 defines window 112, front surface 131 B, and back surface 131A. Front surface 131 B comprises internal frame 136, which has an open top, and lip 139 arranged substantially around internal 26 frame 136, preferably proximate outer perimeter 134. Front surface 131 B
also comprises first 27 right recess 133A, second right recess 135A, and third right recess 137A, which together 28 partially form a channel arranged to secure a portion of right wire stand 140 therein, as 29 described in further detail below. Front surface 131 B also comprises first left recess 133B, second left recess 135B, and third left recess 137B, which together partially form a channel 31 arranged to secure a portion of left wire stand 160 therein, as described in further detail below.
21904322.1 4 Agent Ref: 68849/00067 1 [0024] First panel 120 comprises outer perimeter 124, inner perimeter 122, which 2 defines window 111, front surface 121A, and back surface 121B. Back surface 121B comprises 3 an internal frame (not shown), which is similar and complimentary to internal frame 136 of 4 second panel 130, and a lip 129, which is similar and complimentary to lip 139 and arranged substantially around its internal frame, preferably proximate outer perimeter 124.
6 [0025] Back surface 121 B also comprises first right recess 123A, second right recess 7 135A, and a third right recess (not shown) similar and complimentary to third right recess 137A, 8 which together partially form a channel arranged to secure a portion of right wire stand 140 9 therein, as described in further detail below. Back surface 121 B also comprises first left recess 123B, second left recess 125B, and a third left recess (not shown) similar and complimentary to 11 third left recess 137B, which together partially form a channel arranged to secure a portion of left 12 wire stand 160 therein, as described in further detail below.
13 [0026] First panel 120 and second panel 130 are removably securable to each other by 14 means of a frictional and/or mechanical engagement between lip 129 and lip 139. When first panel and second panels, 120 and 130, are removably secured to each other, internal frame 136 16 and the internal frame of first panel 120 form slot 115 into which one or more substantially planar 17 items, such as photographs, may be inserted for viewing in window 111 and/or 112. In one 18 aspect of the invention, when first and second panels, 120 and 130, are secured to each other, 19 inner perimeters 111 and 112 form a substantially integral inner perimeter defining a window adapted to be viewed from opposite sides of the frame.
21 [0027] Frame 100 may further comprise an insert which includes first pane 105 and 22 second pane 106, preferably connected to each other by means of resting surface 107. First and 23 second panes, 105 and 106, each comprise a substantially transparent material, such as plastic 24 or glass. The insert is arranged such that a user may place one or more substantially planar objects, such as photographs, between first and second panes, 105 and 106.
Slot 115 is 26 adapted to receive the insert and display any items secured therein in windows 111 and 112.
27 [0028] Additionally, when first panel and second panels, 120 and 130, are removably 28 secured to each other, first right recess 133A is arranged across from first right recess 123A and 29 form an aperture in frame portion 110, second right recess 135A is arranged across from second right recess 125A and form an aperture in frame portion 110, and third right recess 137A
31 is arranged across from the third right recess of first panel 120, and together such recess are 32 arranged to form a channel, in which a portion of right wire stand 140 may be secured.
21904322.1 5 Agent Ref: 68849/00067 1 [0029] Similarly, when first panel and second panels, 120 and 130, are removably 2 secured to each other, first left right recess 133B is arranged across from first right recess 123B
3 and form an aperture in frame portion 110, second right recess I35B is arranged across from 4 second right recess 125B and form an aperture in frame portion 110, and third right recess 137B
is arranged across from the third right recess of first panel 120, and together such recess are 6 arranged to form a channel, in which a portion of left wire stand 160 may be secured.
7 [0030] Right wire stand 140 includes first end 141, which comprises upper magnet 142 8 having top surface 142A, and second end 143, which comprises lower magnet 144 having 9 bottom surface 144A. Right wire stand 140 is adapted to extend through the aforementioned channel formed by recesses 133A, 135A, and 137A of second panel 130 and recesses 123A, 11 125A, and the third right recess of first panel 120, such that top surface 142A is arranged facing 12 upwardly and bottom surface 144A is arranged facing downwardly.
13 [0031] Left wire stand 160 includes first end 161, which comprises upper magnet 162 14 having top surface 162A, and second end 163, which comprises lower magnet 164 having bottom surface 164A. Left wire stand 160 is adapted to extend through the aforementioned 16 channel formed by recesses 133B, 135B, and 137B of second panel 130 and recesses 123B, 17 125B, and the third left recess of first panel 120, such that top surface 162A is arranged facing 18 upwardly and bottom surface 164A is arranged facing downwardly.
19 [0032] Right an left wire stands, 140 and 160, are adapted to support frame portion 110 in an upright position, as shown in the figures, when first panel and second panels, 120 and 130, 21 are removably secured to each other and right an left wire stands, 140 and 160, are secured 22 therebetween. Accordingly, bottom surfaces 144A and 164A of lower magnets 144 and 164, 23 respectively, are preferably substantially planar so that they may rest upon on a substantially 24 planar horizontal surface, such as a table top.
[0033] In a preferred embodiment, assembly 10 includes base 80 having top surface 81 26 and bottom surface 82. Base 80 preferably comprises a magnetically attractable material, such 27 as iron or an iron alloy. Accordingly, the frames of the present invention may be magnetically 28 secured to base 80. For example, first frame 100 may be placed is placed upon base 80 such 29 that bottom surfaces 144A and 164A of magnets 144 and 164, respectively, rest upon and are in contact with top surface 81, thereby magnetically securing lower magnets 144 and 164, and 31 therefore first frame 100, to base 80.
21904322.1 6 Agent Ref: 68849/00067 1 [0034] As described above, each of the frames shown in the figures comprise essentially 2 the same elements, i.e., each comprises a frame portion similar to frame portion 110, and right 3 and left wire stands similar to right and left wire stands 140 and 160. Each frame's right wire 4 stand includes upper and lower magnets similar to upper and lower magnets 142 and 144, and each frame's left wire stand includes upper and lower magnets similar to upper and lower 6 magnets 162 and 164.
7 [0035] In particular: second frame 200 comprises a frame portion having at least one 8 window 211 and supported by right wire stand 240, having upper magnet 242 and lower magnet 9 244, and left wire stand 260 having upper magnet 262 and lower magnet 264;
third frame 300 comprises a frame portion having at least one window 311 and supported by right wire stand 11 340, having upper magnet 342 and lower magnet 344, and left wire stand 360 having upper 12 magnet 362 and lower magnet 364; fourth frame 400 comprises a frame portion having at least 13 one window 411 and supported by right wire stand 440, having upper magnet 442 and lower 14 magnet 444, and left wire stand 460 having upper magnet 462 and lower magnet 464; and, fifth frame 500 comprises a frame portion having at least one window 511 and supported by right 16 wire stand 540, having upper magnet 542 and lower magnet 544, and left wire stand 560 having 17 upper magnet 562 and lower magnet 564.
18 [0036] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the frames of the present invention are adapted to 19 stack upon one another. In particular, each frame may be stacked upon one or two other frames by magnetically securing one lower magnet of such frame upper magnets of the one or two other 21 frames. For example, in Figures 1 and 2, the lower magnets of first frame 100, second frame 22 200, and fourth frame 400 are resting upon and magnetically secured to base 80. Additionally, 23 lower magnet 564 of fifth frame 500 is resting upon and magnetically secured to upper magnet 24 242 of second frame 200, and lower magnet 344 of third frame 300 is resting upon and magnetically secured to upper magnet 262 of second frame 200. Accordingly, the magnets 26 selected for the present invention wire stands should of sufficient attractive strength to support 27 the force the offset weight of a supported frame. Moreover, the magnets should all be arranged 28 in the same north-south orientation so that upper and lower magnets are arranged to attract 29 rather than repel each other.
[0037] It should be appreciated that the frames of the present invention may be of 31 integral form, i.e., each may not comprise two panels. Additionally, each wire stand may 32 comprise more than one component, e.g., each may comprise a lower wire stand having a lower 33 magnet and extending downwardly from the frame portion, and an upper wire stand having an 21904322.1 7 Agent Ref: 68849/00067 1 upper magnet and extending upwardly from the frame portion. Moreover, if magnets of sufficient 2 strength are used, each frame may comprise as few as one lower wire stand and one upper wire 3 stand.
4 [0038] Thus, it is seen that the objects of the present invention are efficiently obtained, although modifications and changes to the invention should be readily apparent to those having 6 ordinary skill in the art, which modifications are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the 7 invention as claimed. It also is understood that the foregoing description is illustrative of the 8 present invention and should not be considered as limiting. Therefore, other embodiments of 9 the present invention are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
21904322.1 8
7 [0002] Devices for holding and displaying a plurality of pictorial items, such as 8 photographs and pictures, are well known. Generally, such a device may be embodied as a 9 frame having a plurality of windows arranged in a plane, wherein each window is arranged to display a picture from a single viewing side.
11 [0003] Alternatively, such a device may comprise a plurality of frames, wherein each 12 frame fixedly is secured to another frame and includes a window arranged to display a picture 13 from a single viewing side. Frames of this type often display pictures in a single plane, although 14 some frames of this type include a hinge arranged to allow the frames to pivot into more than one plane.
16 [0004] One problem with these prior frames is that the angles at which the frames may 17 be displayed are limited. Another problem with these prior frames is that, since the frames are 18 inseparable from each other, a user is forced to manipulate the entire device in order to change 19 even a single picture displayed therein. A further problem with these devices is that they generally only have a single viewing side.
22 [0005] Broadly, the present invention is a magnetic picture display assembly comprising:
23 a base; and, a first frame comprising: a frame portion having an inner perimeter and a window 24 defined by the inner perimeter; and, at least a first wire stand extending through the frame portion and having a first end comprising an upper magnet extending upwardly and a second 26 end comprising a lower magnet extending downwardly, wherein the lower magnet is 27 magnetically securable to the base, and the at least first wire stand is arranged to support the 28 first frame in an upright position when the lower magnet is magnetically secured to the base.
29 [0006] In one embodiment, the first frame further comprises a second wire stand extending through the frame portion and having a first end comprising an upper magnet 31 extending upwardly and a second end comprising a lower magnet extending downwardly, 32 wherein the lower magnet of the second wire stand is magnetically securable to the base, and 21904322.1 1 Agent Ref: 68849/00067 1 the second wire stand is arranged to support the first frame in an upright position when the lower 2 magnet of the second wire stand is magnetically secured to the base.
3 [0007] In another embodiment the magnetic photo display assembly further comprises a 4 second frame comprising: a frame portion having an inner perimeter and a window defined by the inner perimeter of the frame portion of the second frame; and, at least a first wire stand 6 extending through the frame portion of the second frame and having a first end comprising an 7 upper magnet extending upwardly and a second end comprising a lower magnet extending 8 downwardly, wherein the lower magnet of the at least first wire stand of the second frame is 9 magnetically securable to the base, the at least first wire stand of the second frame is arranged to support the second frame in an upright position when the lower magnet of the at least first 11 wire stand of the second frame is magnetically secured to the base, and the second frame is 12 adapted to display a substantially planar item in the window of the second frame.
13 [0008] In a preferred embodiment, the second frame is stackable upon the first frame by 14 magnetically securing the lower magnet of the at least first wire stand of the second frame to the upper magnet of the at least first wire stand of the first frame.
16 [0009] A general object of the present invention is to provide a photo display device 17 having a plurality of frames which may be arranged in an infinite number of viewing angles.
18 [0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a photo display device having 19 a plurality of frames which may be stacked upon one another in an infinite number of arrangements.
21 [0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a frame which is arranged to 22 display pictures on opposite sides on the frame, and includes a means for easily inserting such 23 pictures.
24 [0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a frame which is adapted to magnetically couple to a base and/or magnetically stack upon another frame.
26 [0013] These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be readily 27 appreciable from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention and from 28 the accompanying drawings and claims.
[0014] The nature and mode of operation of the present invention will now be more fully 31 described in the following detailed description of the invention taken with the accompanying 32 drawing figures of at least one exemplary embodiment thereof, in which:
21904322.1 2 Agent Ref: 68849/00067 1 Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the magnetic photo display 2 assembly comprising a plurality of frames and a base;
3 Figure 2 is a front elevational view of the magnetic photo display assembly shown 4 in Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a front perspective view of a first frame of the plurality of frames;
6 Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the first frame;
7 Figure 5 is an enlarged view of area 5 shown in Figure 4;
8 Figure 6 is a perspective view of a second panel of the first frame; and, 9 Figure 7 is a front elevational view of the second panel.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
11 [0015] At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers on different 12 drawing views identify identical, or functionally similar, structural elements of the invention.
13 While the present invention is described with respect to what is presently considered to be the 14 preferred aspects, it is to be understood that the invention as claimed is not limited to the disclosed aspects.
16 [0016] Furthermore, it is understood that this invention is not limited to the particular 17 methodology, materials and modifications described and as such may, of course, vary. It is also 18 understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects 19 only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, which is limited only by the appended claims.
21 [0017] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the 22 same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention 23 belongs. It should be appreciated that the term "frame" refers to a substantially rigid structure 24 which defines at least one window and is operatively arranged to hold and display a substantially planar object, such as a photograph or other pictorial item, in the at least one window.
26 [0018] It should also be appreciated that since each frame of the plurality of frames of 27 the present invention is arranged to display pictures in two windows arranged opposite each 28 other, and since the plurality of frames may be stacked and arranged in an infinite number of 29 positions, the terms "front", "back", "left", and "right", when used herein, are relative terms meant to refer to the viewing perspective shown in the figures.
21904322.1 3 Agent Ref: 68849/00067 1 [0019] Although many methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent to those 2 described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the invention, the preferred methods, 3 devices, and materials are now described.
4 [0020] Adverting now to the figures, Figures 1 and show an exemplary embodiment of the present invention magnetic photo display assembly, hereinafter referred to as assembly 10.
6 Assembly 10 comprises a plurality of frames, namely, first frame 100, second frame 200, third 7 frame 300, fourth frame 400, and fifth frame 500. Each frame is adapted to hold and display a 8 substantially planar item in its window, such as the picture of the woman shown displayed in 9 each of the windows in Figures 1 and 2. Assembly 10 may also comprise base 80. It should be appreciated that the plurality of frames and base shown in Figures 1 and 2 are meant to illustrate 11 a manner in which the frames of the present invention may be stacked and magnetically coupled 12 to each other and/or the base for displaying pictures.
13 [0021] It should also be appreciated that the present invention may comprise a single 14 frame, for example, any one of frames 100, 200, 300, 400, or 500, as these frames comprise substantially the same elements and differ primarily with respect to dimensions, such as, height 16 and width. Accordingly, the following description focuses primarily on first frame 100, and its 17 description should be presumed to be applicable to second, third, fourth, and fifth frames, 200, 18 300, 400, and 500, respectively.
19 [0022] As shown in Figures 3-7, first frame 100 comprises frame portion 110, right wire stand 140, and left wire stand 160. In this embodiment, frame potion 110 includes first panel 120 21 and second panel 130, wherein first panel 120 and second panel are removably securable to 22 each other.
23 [0023] Second panel 130 comprises outer perimeter 134, inner perimeter 132, which 24 defines window 112, front surface 131 B, and back surface 131A. Front surface 131 B comprises internal frame 136, which has an open top, and lip 139 arranged substantially around internal 26 frame 136, preferably proximate outer perimeter 134. Front surface 131 B
also comprises first 27 right recess 133A, second right recess 135A, and third right recess 137A, which together 28 partially form a channel arranged to secure a portion of right wire stand 140 therein, as 29 described in further detail below. Front surface 131 B also comprises first left recess 133B, second left recess 135B, and third left recess 137B, which together partially form a channel 31 arranged to secure a portion of left wire stand 160 therein, as described in further detail below.
21904322.1 4 Agent Ref: 68849/00067 1 [0024] First panel 120 comprises outer perimeter 124, inner perimeter 122, which 2 defines window 111, front surface 121A, and back surface 121B. Back surface 121B comprises 3 an internal frame (not shown), which is similar and complimentary to internal frame 136 of 4 second panel 130, and a lip 129, which is similar and complimentary to lip 139 and arranged substantially around its internal frame, preferably proximate outer perimeter 124.
6 [0025] Back surface 121 B also comprises first right recess 123A, second right recess 7 135A, and a third right recess (not shown) similar and complimentary to third right recess 137A, 8 which together partially form a channel arranged to secure a portion of right wire stand 140 9 therein, as described in further detail below. Back surface 121 B also comprises first left recess 123B, second left recess 125B, and a third left recess (not shown) similar and complimentary to 11 third left recess 137B, which together partially form a channel arranged to secure a portion of left 12 wire stand 160 therein, as described in further detail below.
13 [0026] First panel 120 and second panel 130 are removably securable to each other by 14 means of a frictional and/or mechanical engagement between lip 129 and lip 139. When first panel and second panels, 120 and 130, are removably secured to each other, internal frame 136 16 and the internal frame of first panel 120 form slot 115 into which one or more substantially planar 17 items, such as photographs, may be inserted for viewing in window 111 and/or 112. In one 18 aspect of the invention, when first and second panels, 120 and 130, are secured to each other, 19 inner perimeters 111 and 112 form a substantially integral inner perimeter defining a window adapted to be viewed from opposite sides of the frame.
21 [0027] Frame 100 may further comprise an insert which includes first pane 105 and 22 second pane 106, preferably connected to each other by means of resting surface 107. First and 23 second panes, 105 and 106, each comprise a substantially transparent material, such as plastic 24 or glass. The insert is arranged such that a user may place one or more substantially planar objects, such as photographs, between first and second panes, 105 and 106.
Slot 115 is 26 adapted to receive the insert and display any items secured therein in windows 111 and 112.
27 [0028] Additionally, when first panel and second panels, 120 and 130, are removably 28 secured to each other, first right recess 133A is arranged across from first right recess 123A and 29 form an aperture in frame portion 110, second right recess 135A is arranged across from second right recess 125A and form an aperture in frame portion 110, and third right recess 137A
31 is arranged across from the third right recess of first panel 120, and together such recess are 32 arranged to form a channel, in which a portion of right wire stand 140 may be secured.
21904322.1 5 Agent Ref: 68849/00067 1 [0029] Similarly, when first panel and second panels, 120 and 130, are removably 2 secured to each other, first left right recess 133B is arranged across from first right recess 123B
3 and form an aperture in frame portion 110, second right recess I35B is arranged across from 4 second right recess 125B and form an aperture in frame portion 110, and third right recess 137B
is arranged across from the third right recess of first panel 120, and together such recess are 6 arranged to form a channel, in which a portion of left wire stand 160 may be secured.
7 [0030] Right wire stand 140 includes first end 141, which comprises upper magnet 142 8 having top surface 142A, and second end 143, which comprises lower magnet 144 having 9 bottom surface 144A. Right wire stand 140 is adapted to extend through the aforementioned channel formed by recesses 133A, 135A, and 137A of second panel 130 and recesses 123A, 11 125A, and the third right recess of first panel 120, such that top surface 142A is arranged facing 12 upwardly and bottom surface 144A is arranged facing downwardly.
13 [0031] Left wire stand 160 includes first end 161, which comprises upper magnet 162 14 having top surface 162A, and second end 163, which comprises lower magnet 164 having bottom surface 164A. Left wire stand 160 is adapted to extend through the aforementioned 16 channel formed by recesses 133B, 135B, and 137B of second panel 130 and recesses 123B, 17 125B, and the third left recess of first panel 120, such that top surface 162A is arranged facing 18 upwardly and bottom surface 164A is arranged facing downwardly.
19 [0032] Right an left wire stands, 140 and 160, are adapted to support frame portion 110 in an upright position, as shown in the figures, when first panel and second panels, 120 and 130, 21 are removably secured to each other and right an left wire stands, 140 and 160, are secured 22 therebetween. Accordingly, bottom surfaces 144A and 164A of lower magnets 144 and 164, 23 respectively, are preferably substantially planar so that they may rest upon on a substantially 24 planar horizontal surface, such as a table top.
[0033] In a preferred embodiment, assembly 10 includes base 80 having top surface 81 26 and bottom surface 82. Base 80 preferably comprises a magnetically attractable material, such 27 as iron or an iron alloy. Accordingly, the frames of the present invention may be magnetically 28 secured to base 80. For example, first frame 100 may be placed is placed upon base 80 such 29 that bottom surfaces 144A and 164A of magnets 144 and 164, respectively, rest upon and are in contact with top surface 81, thereby magnetically securing lower magnets 144 and 164, and 31 therefore first frame 100, to base 80.
21904322.1 6 Agent Ref: 68849/00067 1 [0034] As described above, each of the frames shown in the figures comprise essentially 2 the same elements, i.e., each comprises a frame portion similar to frame portion 110, and right 3 and left wire stands similar to right and left wire stands 140 and 160. Each frame's right wire 4 stand includes upper and lower magnets similar to upper and lower magnets 142 and 144, and each frame's left wire stand includes upper and lower magnets similar to upper and lower 6 magnets 162 and 164.
7 [0035] In particular: second frame 200 comprises a frame portion having at least one 8 window 211 and supported by right wire stand 240, having upper magnet 242 and lower magnet 9 244, and left wire stand 260 having upper magnet 262 and lower magnet 264;
third frame 300 comprises a frame portion having at least one window 311 and supported by right wire stand 11 340, having upper magnet 342 and lower magnet 344, and left wire stand 360 having upper 12 magnet 362 and lower magnet 364; fourth frame 400 comprises a frame portion having at least 13 one window 411 and supported by right wire stand 440, having upper magnet 442 and lower 14 magnet 444, and left wire stand 460 having upper magnet 462 and lower magnet 464; and, fifth frame 500 comprises a frame portion having at least one window 511 and supported by right 16 wire stand 540, having upper magnet 542 and lower magnet 544, and left wire stand 560 having 17 upper magnet 562 and lower magnet 564.
18 [0036] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the frames of the present invention are adapted to 19 stack upon one another. In particular, each frame may be stacked upon one or two other frames by magnetically securing one lower magnet of such frame upper magnets of the one or two other 21 frames. For example, in Figures 1 and 2, the lower magnets of first frame 100, second frame 22 200, and fourth frame 400 are resting upon and magnetically secured to base 80. Additionally, 23 lower magnet 564 of fifth frame 500 is resting upon and magnetically secured to upper magnet 24 242 of second frame 200, and lower magnet 344 of third frame 300 is resting upon and magnetically secured to upper magnet 262 of second frame 200. Accordingly, the magnets 26 selected for the present invention wire stands should of sufficient attractive strength to support 27 the force the offset weight of a supported frame. Moreover, the magnets should all be arranged 28 in the same north-south orientation so that upper and lower magnets are arranged to attract 29 rather than repel each other.
[0037] It should be appreciated that the frames of the present invention may be of 31 integral form, i.e., each may not comprise two panels. Additionally, each wire stand may 32 comprise more than one component, e.g., each may comprise a lower wire stand having a lower 33 magnet and extending downwardly from the frame portion, and an upper wire stand having an 21904322.1 7 Agent Ref: 68849/00067 1 upper magnet and extending upwardly from the frame portion. Moreover, if magnets of sufficient 2 strength are used, each frame may comprise as few as one lower wire stand and one upper wire 3 stand.
4 [0038] Thus, it is seen that the objects of the present invention are efficiently obtained, although modifications and changes to the invention should be readily apparent to those having 6 ordinary skill in the art, which modifications are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the 7 invention as claimed. It also is understood that the foregoing description is illustrative of the 8 present invention and should not be considered as limiting. Therefore, other embodiments of 9 the present invention are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
21904322.1 8
Claims (10)
1. A magnetic photo display assembly comprising:
a base; and, a first frame comprising: a frame portion having an inner perimeter and a window defined by the inner perimeter; and, at least a first wire stand extending through the frame portion and having a first end comprising an upper magnet extending upwardly and a second end comprising a lower magnet extending downwardly, wherein the lower magnet is magnetically securable to the base, the at least first wire stand is arranged to support the first frame in an upright position when the lower magnet is magnetically secured to the base, and the first frame is adapted to display a substantially planar item in the window.
a base; and, a first frame comprising: a frame portion having an inner perimeter and a window defined by the inner perimeter; and, at least a first wire stand extending through the frame portion and having a first end comprising an upper magnet extending upwardly and a second end comprising a lower magnet extending downwardly, wherein the lower magnet is magnetically securable to the base, the at least first wire stand is arranged to support the first frame in an upright position when the lower magnet is magnetically secured to the base, and the first frame is adapted to display a substantially planar item in the window.
2. The magnetic photo display assembly recited in Claim 1 wherein the first frame further comprises a second wire stand extending through the frame portion and having a first end comprising an upper magnet extending upwardly and a second end comprising a lower magnet extending downwardly, wherein the lower magnet of the second wire stand is magnetically securable to the base, and the second wire stand is arranged to support the first frame in an upright position when the lower magnet of the second wire stand is magnetically secured to the base.
3. The magnetic photo display assembly recited in Claim 1 further comprising a second frame comprising: a frame portion having an inner perimeter and a window defined by the inner perimeter of the frame portion of the second frame; and, at least a first wire stand extending through the frame portion of the second frame and having a first end comprising an upper magnet extending upwardly and a second end comprising a lower magnet extending downwardly, wherein the lower magnet of the at least first wire stand of the second frame is magnetically securable to the base, the at least first wire stand of the second frame is arranged to support the second frame in an upright position when the lower magnet of the at least first wire stand of the second frame is magnetically secured to the base, and the second frame is adapted to display a substantially planar item in the window of the second frame.
4. The magnetic photo display device recited in Claim 3 wherein the second frame is stackable upon the first frame by magnetically securing the lower magnet of the at least first wire stand of the second frame to the upper magnet of the at least first wire stand of the first frame.
5. The magnetic photo display device recited in Claim 3 wherein the second frame further comprises a second wire stand extending through the frame portion of the second frame and having a first end comprising an upper magnet extending upwardly and a second end comprising a lower magnet extending downwardly, wherein the lower magnet of the second wire stand of the second frame is magnetically securable to the base, and the second wire stand of the second frame is arranged to support the second frame in an upright position when the lower magnet of the second wire stand of the second frame is magnetically secured to the base.
6. The magnetic photo display device recited in Claim 1 wherein the first frame comprises a slot adapted to receive the substantially planar item therein for display in the window.
7. The magnetic photo display device recited in Claim 1 wherein the window is adapted to display the substantially planar item on opposite sides of the first frame.
8. A frame comprising:
a frame portion having an inner perimeter and a window defined by the inner perimeter;
a first wire stand extending through the frame portion and having a first end comprising an upper magnet extending upwardly and a second end comprising a lower magnet extending downwardly; and, a second first wire stand extending through the frame portion and having a first end comprising an upper magnet extending upwardly and a second end comprising a lower magnet extending downwardly, wherein the first wire stand and the second wire stand are adapted to support the frame in an upright position when the lower magnet of the first wire stand and the lower magnet of the second wire stand are resting on a substantially horizontal surface, and the frame is adapted to display a substantially planar item in the window.
a frame portion having an inner perimeter and a window defined by the inner perimeter;
a first wire stand extending through the frame portion and having a first end comprising an upper magnet extending upwardly and a second end comprising a lower magnet extending downwardly; and, a second first wire stand extending through the frame portion and having a first end comprising an upper magnet extending upwardly and a second end comprising a lower magnet extending downwardly, wherein the first wire stand and the second wire stand are adapted to support the frame in an upright position when the lower magnet of the first wire stand and the lower magnet of the second wire stand are resting on a substantially horizontal surface, and the frame is adapted to display a substantially planar item in the window.
9. The frame recited in Claim 8 further comprising a slot adapted to receive the substantially planar item therein for display in the window.
10. The frame recited in Claim 8 wherein the window is adapted to display the substantially planar item on opposite sides of the frame.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US12/317,443 US20100154266A1 (en) | 2008-12-22 | 2008-12-22 | Magnetic photo display assembly |
| US12/317,443 | 2008-12-22 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2673697A1 true CA2673697A1 (en) | 2010-06-22 |
Family
ID=41022447
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2673697A Abandoned CA2673697A1 (en) | 2008-12-22 | 2009-07-22 | Magnetic photo display assembly |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US20100154266A1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2673697A1 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE102009026352A1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2466323A (en) |
Families Citing this family (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US8202161B2 (en) * | 2009-10-23 | 2012-06-19 | Disney Enterprises, Inc. | Virtual game instructor |
| US8522464B2 (en) | 2010-08-31 | 2013-09-03 | Margaret L. Rehnberg | Magnetic blocks with images thereon, systems and methods of making the same |
| DE102011112562A1 (en) * | 2011-09-08 | 2013-03-14 | Kai Trebesius | Device for hanging photographs and other light or flat objects on wall, has magnetized elements that are assembled lamellar and individually or in multiples in predefined depth behind wall surface, parallel and spaced from each other |
| CN103405076B (en) * | 2013-08-08 | 2015-07-08 | 杭州高脚马科技有限公司 | Spliced and assembled display body |
| WO2017019044A1 (en) * | 2015-07-28 | 2017-02-02 | Bayer Gina | Squatch on a box |
| US10136743B1 (en) * | 2017-10-08 | 2018-11-27 | Will Lebeda | Rack and frame systems for displaying equipment/memorabilia and a plurality of photographs |
| GB2618855A (en) * | 2022-05-21 | 2023-11-22 | Glen Morrish Edward | system for assembly into a wall decoration |
Family Cites Families (17)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US1750894A (en) * | 1927-02-28 | 1930-03-18 | Andrew A Kramer | Sheet-metal sign |
| US2767517A (en) * | 1953-08-18 | 1956-10-23 | R W Curry | Magnetic assembly toy |
| DE2825347C2 (en) * | 1978-06-09 | 1986-07-17 | Dynamit Nobel Ag, 5210 Troisdorf | Process for the preparation of p-hydroxymethylbenzoic acid alkyl esters |
| US4650422A (en) * | 1985-10-15 | 1987-03-17 | Gorczynski Dorothy J | Modular family tree doll set |
| US5024611A (en) * | 1989-07-14 | 1991-06-18 | Eckerle Douglas W | Poseable doll magnetically secured to its stand |
| US5152711A (en) * | 1990-05-23 | 1992-10-06 | Louis Gross | Magnetic toy having sculpturable particles |
| US5255457A (en) * | 1991-11-08 | 1993-10-26 | Erik Lipson | Figurine picture frame |
| US5246374A (en) * | 1992-05-19 | 1993-09-21 | Alma Boodram | Expandable family tree and modular kit for building the same |
| US6189250B1 (en) * | 1998-10-13 | 2001-02-20 | Thomas Bell | Magnetic picture display device |
| US6564490B1 (en) * | 2001-03-09 | 2003-05-20 | Omar Avila | Picture plant assembly |
| US6524108B2 (en) * | 2001-04-03 | 2003-02-25 | Robert C. Murray | Three dimensional family tree |
| US20030166374A1 (en) * | 2002-03-01 | 2003-09-04 | Nelson Webb T. | Toy figures having extremities comprised of springs and magnets |
| US7302768B2 (en) * | 2004-07-02 | 2007-12-04 | Gregory George Gajdacs | Sign assembly |
| WO2007028370A1 (en) * | 2005-09-08 | 2007-03-15 | Zweibrüder Optoelectronics GmbH | Lamp |
| USD565782S1 (en) * | 2006-02-10 | 2008-04-01 | Zweibruder Optoelectronics Gmbh | Lamp |
| US20080163528A1 (en) * | 2007-01-10 | 2008-07-10 | Alex Enrique Soriano Ramos | Floating desk item displays |
| US20090100732A1 (en) * | 2007-10-19 | 2009-04-23 | Concept Workshop Worldwide, Llc | Magnetic display device |
-
2008
- 2008-12-22 US US12/317,443 patent/US20100154266A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2009
- 2009-07-09 GB GB0911988A patent/GB2466323A/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2009-07-22 CA CA2673697A patent/CA2673697A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2009-08-10 DE DE102009026352A patent/DE102009026352A1/en not_active Withdrawn
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US20100154266A1 (en) | 2010-06-24 |
| GB0911988D0 (en) | 2009-08-19 |
| DE102009026352A1 (en) | 2010-07-08 |
| GB2466323A (en) | 2010-06-23 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |